Representing Clients Facing Drunk Driving Charges

If you were charged with a DUI in Massachusetts, you should contact a criminal defense attorney for legal support. This is because the consequences of a DUI conviction can include a suspended license and even jail time. A skilled DUI lawyer can defend you in the Newburyport District Court to help you get the best possible outcome for your criminal case.

As you prepare to seek legal counsel, we encourage you to call Contant Law, P.C. Our lawyers have represented numerous clients in Massachusetts courts, so you can rely on us to guide you through the legal process while working toward your desired outcome. Call our Newburyport law offices today for a consultation with our legal team.

What Are the DUI Laws in Massachusetts?

It’s helpful to understand your criminal charges before your first court date. First, know that DUI charges in Massachusetts are also referred to as Operating Under the Influence, or OUI.

You can face OUI/DUI charges if your blood alcohol content (BAC) measures 0.08% or more, though police officers can arrest you at a lower BAC if you fail the field sobriety tests or display signs of drunk driving. Additionally, if you’re a commercial driver, you could be charged with OUI/DUI if your BAC is 0.04% or higher. Drivers under the age of 21 have a legal limit of 0.02%.

If your BAC is much higher than the legal limit or there are other aggravating factors, such as if you caused a car accident while intoxicated, the penalties for your OUI/DUI could be more serious than usual. If you’re unsure how severe your criminal charges are or how to respond to them in court, contact our law firm for legal help. Our DUI lawyers have extensive experience defending clients in the Newburyport District Court and other local courts, so we’re confident we can assist with your case.

What Penalties Do You Face If Convicted of This Criminal Offense?

The punishment you face for an OUI conviction will depend on whether this is your first OUI charge or a repeat offense, as well as whether there are any aggravating factors. In general, if this is your first OUI offense, your penalties could include:

• Up to 2.5 years in jail
• $500 to $5,000 in fines
• License suspension for one year
• Up to two years of probation
• Completion of an alcohol treatment program

Depending on the facts of your case, you could be sentenced to all or a few of these penalties. For example, you may be able to avoid jail time if this was your first offense and you didn’t cause a car accident. But if this is your second offense, you can expect harsher penalties, including:

• 30 days to 2.5 years in jail
• $600 to $10,000 in fines
• License revocation for two years
• Two years of probation
• Mandatory ignition interlock device in the vehicle for at least two years
• 14 days of inpatient alcohol abuse treatment

If you want the opportunity to avoid fines, jail time, and any other consequences, you should speak with a DUI lawyer about your case. Our team has years of experience guiding clients through the Massachusetts criminal justice system in cases involving the Newburyport District Court and Superior Court. Call our Essex County law offices today to get started.

Is Drunk Driving a Felony in Massachusetts?

Drunk driving could be a felony in this state, depending on the circumstances. In general, first and second offenses are misdemeanors, unless there are aggravating factors. For example, if you caused a car accident that led to severe injuries or death for someone else, your OUI/DUI could be a felony. A third OUI within ten years is also a felony.

Your punishment will be more serious if you’re convicted of a felony DUI. In fact, the consequences of a third OUI could include:

• At least 180 days in jail or up to five years in state prison
• $1,000 to $15,000 in fines
• License revoked for at least eight years
• Mandatory alcohol abuse treatment program

If you’re worried about these or other consequences, it’s essential to speak with an Essex County OUI attorney who can defend you in the Newburyport District Court or Superior Court. Call our firm in Newburyport, Massachusetts, for representation from attorneys who are ready to handle your criminal defense case.

Why Should You Call Our Newburyport DUI Defense Attorneys?

The lawyers at Contant Law, P.C. regularly handle criminal matters for clients throughout Essex County, so you can depend on us to defend you from charges of all kinds. From drug crimes and violent offenses to traffic tickets and white-collar crimes, we’ve represented clients in a variety of cases in the Newburyport District Court. So, whether you’ve been accused of OUI, indecent assault, theft, or other serious crimes, we can craft a strong defense for you.

If you’re looking for a DUI lawyer with the legal knowledge to gather solid evidence that proves you’re not guilty as charged, you’ve chosen the right team. Our lawyers understand how important it is for you to avoid jail and other penalties, so you can rely on us to provide quality legal services when facing criminal charges. Call our Newburyport office at (617) 221-8221 for a consultation.